Is it possible for a single church to capture the spirit of an entire nation? The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception just might. It is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States. It is also one of the ten largest churches in the world.
Welcome to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This is more than just a church. It’s a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops designated it as such. This Basilica is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is under her title of the Immaculate Conception. Many affectionately call it America’s Catholic Church.
Popes have visited this Basilica. Pope Francis. Pope Benedict XVI. Saint John Paul II all came here. Saint Teresa of Calcutta also visited. Though distinctly American, the Basilica rivals the great sanctuaries of Europe. It also rivals those of the world.
Construction began in 1920. It continued through 1959. The Basilica was built to resemble great European churches. However, it has a distinctive neo-Byzantine style. The structure is supported by columns and masonry. But it has no steel beams.
Inside, discover over 80 chapels and oratories. They relate to the peoples, cultures and traditions. They are the fabric of the Catholic faith. They form the mosaic of our great nation. The Basilica also houses the world’s largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art.
Look for the chapels that surround the upper church. Look for the crypt. They pay tribute to incarnations of Mary. These are from a variety of cultures. Many represent the immigrants that made America. Find a serene sculpture of India’s Our Lady of Fatima. Admire a bright mosaic representing South America’s Our Lady of Guadalupe. Byzantine-style mosaics decorate many of the chapels. They adorn the domes and walls. The largest and most striking mosaic is Christ in Majesty. It is a 3,610 square foot image. It depicts Jesus in red and gold. You can find it in the North Apse.
On the crypt level, you’ll find more chapels. There is also a small museum here. It holds papal artifacts. These include Pope Paul VI’s Coronation Tiara. It also displays a golden rose. Pope Benedict XVI bestowed it on the Shrine in 2008.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is open 365 days a year. It hosts nearly one million visitors annually. Pilgrims and tourists alike come from across the country. They come from around the world. The Basilica offers several masses daily. It also offers confessions. You can take guided tours. There is even a Catholic Gift Shop and a Catholic Book Store. A Cafeteria accommodates the Basilica’s many visitors.
As you leave the Basilica, consider its impact. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of art. It is a symbol of the American spirit. It is a place where all are welcome.